Raj Ampat – Top 5 Reasons To Take a Dive Cruise in Indonesia

If you’re looking for a luxurious dive tour in a far-flung exotic paradise, Indonesia’s shimmering Raja Ampat Islands may be just the ticket. Condé Nast Traveler dubbed Raja Ampat “the world’s most beautiful islands”, and this spectacular corner of the world holds some of the most incredible diving you’ll ever see. Exploring Raja Ampat’s marine treasures on a luxury liveaboard cruise means seeing ten times more coral than that of the Caribbean and diving among nearly 1,300 species of fish, including majestic sharks, manta rays, seahorses and much more.

Raja Ampat is made up of around 1000 idyllic islands just off the Indonesian coastal city of Sorong in Southeast Asia. It is a remote part of Indonesia that is largely unknown to foreign tourists, and as a result, its waters are clean and clear, its underwater ecosystem is healthy and its marine life is thriving.

In case we haven’t convinced you yet to take the plunge and immerse yourself in an oceanic wonderland, we’ve put together our top 5 reasons to embark on a luxury dive cruise to Raja Ampat Indonesia:

Dazzling Undersea Life

Prepare yourself to swim among a glorious rainbow of marine creatures that could include sharks, snappers, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, dogtooth tuna, trevallies, dolphins, manta rays, pygmy seahorses, mimic octopus and gorgonian sea fans. If you’re lucky you may even spot mysterious wobbegong and epaulette (walking) sharks. Raja Ampat’s unique islands offer opportunities to dive among thriving walls, reef flats, slopes, seamounts, lagoons and pinnacles. There are several mesmerizing undersea wrecks to explore here, including wartime ships and planes, and new wrecks are being discovered constantly.

Luxurious Liveaboard Cruise

Any professional diver or travel pro will tell you that the hands-down best way to explore the archipelago of Raja Ampat is by liveaboard cruise. This traditional Indonesian sailing vessel offers easy access to world-class dive sites, with superior service, Indonesian art, and most of all, a very experienced dive crew. Dive multiple times a day and visit remote dive sites while enjoying the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel. Aboard the luxurious Arenui ship, guests will enjoy spacious boutique cabins, tantalizing gourmet cuisine, a magnificent outdoor sky restaurant and five-star service. The Arenui offers space for 16 guests, ensuring that each traveller gets a personalized travel experience that exceeds their expectations.

Gorgeous Underwater Photography

Raja Ampat’s enchanting reefs create the perfect environment for both wide-angle and macro underwater photography and video. Capture those spellbinding underwater diving moments and make them last a lifetime with on-board services geared toward amateur and pro-level photographers. Guests on the Arenui who are shooting digital photography can view their images on MAC or PC computers provided for their use in the ship’s luxurious lounge, and 110V and 220V sockets are at the ready to recharge devices. Onboard ‘camera only’ rinse buckets are also provided, making it easier than ever to capture the magic of Indonesia’s rainbow seascapes.

Jungle Trekking, Exotic Birdwatching & More

Though Raja Ampat is acclaimed for its unparalleled diving, it also has top-shelf travel experiences that will delight even the most intrepid traveller. The archipelago is a paradise for bird watchers, and wild birds of paradise, cockatoos, eagles and many other rare birds can be spotted on the lush islands. Though Raja Ampat’s population is sparse, visiting a traditional village and meeting local artisans, or taking in a traditional bamboo flute (suling tambur) performance, is a fantastic way to experience local culture. Trek around the islands to discover jaw-dropping jungle waterfalls, enjoy some R&R at the beach, or sit back and watch the sun sink into the ocean. Raja Ampat is like nowhere else on earth.

Brilliant Bali

Since no trip to Indonesia is complete without visiting Bali, our Raja Ampat dive cruise includes a few night’s accommodation on the legendary Island of the Gods. Bali is a picturesque and deeply spiritual island coveted by discerning travellers from across the globe. With its spectacular beaches, world-class surfing and diving, and truly unique cultural attractions, Bali has earned a reputation as a paradise on earth. Explore some of Bali’s estimated 20,000 temples, trek or cycle through verdant rice terraces, soak in soothing hot springs, practice yoga or unwind with a heavenly Balinese massage. The Balinese people are exceptionally warm and welcoming to visitors, and an expertly guided sightseeing tour is included in your dive cruise package. So what are you waiting for?

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This is a first rate place to learn how to dive. Brad's team is well organized, experienced, enthusiastic...and nice people! They don't cut corners on the training but help you through it. And they make it fun. My final checkout dive was delayed by a family matter so a few weeks later Brad the owner took me though it one-on-one. You can't get more dedicated than that. After certifying I did my first mid-week dive at Gulliver's Lake and what a great way to gain experience when you start out. I'm looking forward to many years at Float N Flag and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn recreational diving.

Doug Martin

I needed to make a major but last minute purchase, and called Float n Flag to see if they had it in stock. I am from out of town, and so all my communication with Brad was through phone or email. I have never experienced such enthusiastic professionalism, from educating me about the various options that I had, to working after hours to ensure that he would be able to get the product in time. Brad even drove to Buffalo to make sure my purchase would not be held up in customs. I would highly recommend this business!!

Kristy Hiltz

Brad and the team at Float N Flag are some of the most enthusiastic and organized people we work with. As a dive destination, we see dozens of groups from around the world every season in Tobermory, ON. Brad is always professional, organized, and displaying a true passion for both the sport he loves and the business he runs. We would recommend Float N Flag without hesitation to new divers and experienced divers looking for a great group of people to dive with! Keep up the great work!!!

Kelly McAdam

I recently attended the open water course with my 14 year old son. Rob was a fantastic instructor that took the time to ensure that all of the concepts and skills were understood and mastered. George also assisted in the pool and was kind enough to lend his spare mask to my son after his developed a leak. It is evident that Brad and Tammy run a very organized dive centre. The shop and classroom are clean and the logistics at the pool are well thought out. I highly recommend Float N' Flag Dive Centre.

Dave Pecharich

Just completed open water course March 2018. Awesome experience. Instructors were fun and totally thorough on all skills. I wouldn't look to any other shop. Great value. Feel 100% confident about diving. Float N Flag has an awesome community and has tons of SCUBA events around Ontario and abroad.

Mark

Awesome shop! Excellent service. Excellent instructors!!! This is my go to shop, there is always a positive answer to my inquiries!!! Good job Float and Flag Team!!!! 🙂

Adrian Flachi

Float n Flag is amazing with my Junior Open water divers. My son recently certified and they were very patient and provided lots of encouragement during his lessons when he was nervous. My daughter is excited about her upcoming certification and the staff share her passion for wanting to dive. I am thrilled with the service we receive and proud to call them my home shop.

Kim Powell

Brad and the team at Float N Flag are some of the most enthusiastic and organized people we work with. As a dive destination, we see dozens of groups from around the world every season in Tobermory, ON. Brad is always professional, organized, and displaying a true passion for both the sport he loves and the business he runs. We would recommend Float N Flag without hesitation to new divers and experienced divers looking for a great group of people to dive with! Keep up the great work!!!

Divers Den

Brad and his team were very professional and knowledgeable; they made diving fun and exciting for a new learner. I was impressed with their schedule flexibility and how accommodating they were to my scheduling conflicts. The ratio of instructor to student was great and personal. Diving with Float n Flag felt like being part of a close community.

Sherry Du

I have always found Brad and his staff to be very friendly, knowledgeable and not intimidating to newer divers. They always have safety at the forefront but have a lot of fun as well. I just recently came back from my first boat diving holiday in Roatan run by Brad, and apart from being the only one bitten by bugs (not a fault of Float n Flag!), I had a wonderful time. Brad's enthusiasm for diving and underwater creatures is something he passes on to those who dive with him. Thank you so much Brad to you and your staff.

Anne Jackson

Float n' Flag is a top notch dive centre. Brad is extremely safety-conscious and professional and instills these qualities in his dive masters. They go out of their way to ensure divers are comfortable in the water and have the skills required. We recently travelled with Float n' Flag and had an amazing experience. I was really impressed at the organization, thought and care that went into the entire trip experience.

Heather Buerkle

Very professional owner, new to the stores new location and owner but seems like Float N’ Flag’s legacy is in good hands. Looking forward to dealing with them in the near future.

Andrew MacGregor

I have been to a lot of dive shops in the past but Float n' Flag is by far the best shop I have ever seen! Not only does the shop look great every one of the staff is fantastic and I highly recommend FnF to any one interested in becoming a scuba diver!